All benefits and financial support
Benefits can increase your income and may also mean you become eligible for other support. There may also be local grants that you can apply for, even if you are not eligible for benefits.
If you need help to understand your entitlement or to apply for benefits or support, contact your local Citizens Advice for free, confidential and impartial advice.
Check if you can get benefits
Benefits can help top up your income and support with day to day costs. Some benefits can only be paid if you are on a low income, but others can be paid depending on your health and support needs, your age, whether you have caring responsibilities or your tax (National Insurance) contributions.
It’s important to check you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to. Many people miss out on support because they do not realise they qualify. If it’s been a while since you checked, or your situation has recently changed, you should check again in case you are now eligible.
Contact Citizens Advice to check what benefits you could get
Use a free benefits calculator to check what benefits you could get
Benefits explained
Some benefits are managed across the country by the government. There are also some local benefits or grants delivered by your district or county council. Below is a summary of some of the most common benefits, for information about more benefits, visit Citizens Advice Benefits overview.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit provides monthly payments that help with everyday living costs. It may be available if you are on a low income, unemployed, unable to work, or working but earning a low wage. Universal Credit can include help with housing costs and childcare costs.
If you receive the housing cost element of Universal Credit, this will be paid directly to you, and you will be responsible for using it to pay your rent. If you are a council tenant, you or your district council may request that your Universal Credit payment is paid directly to the council. If you would like to learn more about this, please speak with your rent officer.
You can apply for Universal Credit online. If you cannot claim online, you can claim by phone through the Universal Credit helpline or contact your local Citizens Advice for free, impartial and confidential advice.
Check if you can get Universal Credit and apply on Gov.UK
Pension Credit
Pension Credit helps people over State Pension age with a low income. It can top up your weekly income and may help you qualify for additional support, such as help with energy costs, housing costs, Council Tax, dental care and a free TV licence if you are over the age of 75. On average, it can be worth £3,900 per year.
Many eligible people do not claim Pension Credit, so it is worth checking.
Check if you can get Pension Credit and apply on Gov.UK
Disability and caring benefits
If you are living with a disability or health condition, you might be eligible for additional financial help, such as:
- More Universal Credit or not have to look for work while you get Universal Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
You may also get support with vehicles and transport, including exemption from paying vehicle tax, parking benefits (Blue Badge), a disabled person's bus pass or railcard, and help to buy or lease a car.
Find out more:
Citizens Advice: support if you are sick or disabled
Browse disability benefits on Gov.uk
Access to work
If you need support to find or stay in employment, you may be able to get an Access to Work grant to pay for equipment, adaptations, support services, travel arrangements and communication support.
Vat relief
If you have a disability or long-term health condition, you can get VAT relief on some products that are designed or adapted for personal or household use.
If you care for someone:
Carer’s Allowance is a weekly payment for people who provide at least 35 hours of unpaid care per week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit.
Carer’s Element is an additional amount added to a Universal Credit claim for eligible carers.
Explore support:
You may also be able to get local support. See information about benefits or grants delivered by your county or district council below.
Further support
You may also be able to get help with the cost of care and support to live independently, including Care and Support assessments, help with health costs, travel to hospital appointments, and home adaptations.
Local benefits from your district council
Council Tax Reduction and Exemptions
If you are on a low income, Council Tax Reduction can reduce the amount of Council Tax you are asked to pay. The level of reduction awarded depends on your individual circumstances, including your income, savings, family needs and anyone else living in your household. Eligible households may receive a reduction of up to 100% of their Council Tax bill.
Apply for Council Tax Reduction
There are also Council Tax exemptions and discounts including a discount if you are the only person residing at your property, disability related reduction, or a reduction if you have an annexe.
Find out more and apply for Council Tax discounts and exemptions
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit can help people on a low income pay rent, although most new claims for help with housing costs are made through Universal Credit.
Local grants
Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)
The CRF was previously known as Local Welfare Assistance. The fund includes:
- Crisis payments: help with essential costs such as food costs, household energy or water bills, white goods, period and hygiene products, transport related costs.
- Oil Payments: up to £350 to cover part of the cost of an oil delivery.
- Housing Payments: short-term support with rent or eligible service charges.
- Help with Housing Costs: help you if you are struggling to pay your rent or service charges and are not eligible for a Housing Payment.
Check if you are eligible and apply
Find other grants
Other local grants, including support with heating, white goods, and other household items may be available. To find the right support for your situation, contact Citizens Advice who can advise what you are able to get. You can also search online: Turn 2 Us.